CarComplaints.com Notes: The Dodge Intrepid, Stratus & other Chrysler sedans are infamous for oil sludge problems with the 2.7L V6 engine. If someone offers to sell you a 2.7L V6 model, it's only worth the price of the scrap metal it's going to shortly turn into.
NOTE: Only the 2.7L V6 has the oil sludge problem. Our "Avoid like the Plague" designation is ONLY for models with the 2.7L V6 engine. All other available engines are very reliable with no major problems.
Even with regular maintenance, the oil sludge defect eventually destroys the 2.7L engine typically around 80,000-100,000 miles. The only true fix we know about is to put in the larger 3.2L engine, which has a great reputation.
This issue was never deemed a safety defect by the Feds, so there was no recall. In the end, Chrysler got away with FOUR YEARS worth of defective 2.7L V6 engines in their sedans.
Here's the (quick) history...bought it used with around 30k miles....needed a crankshaft bearing (and new block) at 45k miles (luckily I had the extended warranty) needed the tranny replaced at around 80k. Let me say I am horrible at maintenance and almost never changed the oil or any fluids for that matter. other problems...both front wheel bearings have been replaced. Some sort of water/radiator bled valve replaced just a few weeks ago (darn it!) I have had the same other issues as I've seen posted here....Engine has made valve noises for the last 10-15k miles. Oil pressure light on dash flickers at idle....(stops if you tap the accelerator) puffs of smoke, jerky transmission.Cigarette lighter (plug) doesn't work, (never has). When using the heater it smells like exhaust if you are in traffic or at a stop. Today (at 184K) the check engine light came on and it wouldn't stay in gear....I'm thinking one bullet to the head...put it out of it's misery. From all I have read here and heard others say I was "lucky" that this car lasted this long....will I buy another Dodge? probably not, but who knows.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Here's the (quick) history...bought it used with around 30k miles....needed a crankshaft bearing (and new block) at 45k miles (luckily I had the extended warranty) needed the tranny replaced at around 80k. Let me say I am horrible at maintenance and almost never changed the oil or any fluids for that matter. other problems...both front wheel bearings have been replaced. Some sort of water/radiator bled valve replaced just a few weeks ago (darn it!) I have had the same other issues as I've seen posted here....Engine has made valve noises for the last 10-15k miles. Oil pressure light on dash flickers at idle....(stops if you tap the accelerator) puffs of smoke, jerky transmission.Cigarette lighter (plug) doesn't work, (never has). When using the heater it smells like exhaust if you are in traffic or at a stop. Today (at 184K) the check engine light came on and it wouldn't stay in gear....I'm thinking one bullet to the head...put it out of it's misery. From all I have read here and heard others say I was "lucky" that this car lasted this long....will I buy another Dodge? probably not, but who knows.
- dbhamilton, Pittsburg, CA, US